Board of Directors

DeLisa Hamilton works in the Compliance Division at Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR) as a Section Manager for the Building Safety Section. Her career at TDLR began in 2007. She oversees and manages four programs which include Boilers, Elimination of Architectural Barriers, Elevators, and Industrialized Housing and Buildings. The primary focus is on regulating, monitoring, and enforcing safety protocols to protect the well-being and safety of all Texans.

"We don't just enforce rules; we work collaboratively with businesses and stakeholders to ensure that regulations are clear, fair, and ultimately beneficial to public safety."

DeLisa is passionate about ensuring that state employees and retirees are properly compensated for the work they do, and is proud to serve as a TPEA Board Member.

Mandy has devoted 20 years to serving the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the state of Texas, excelling in leadership roles across multiple divisions. She began her career in 2004 as a clerk in the inmate file room and swiftly advanced to Assistant Director of Classification and Records, where she oversees critical processes in correctional management. Her deep commitment to fairness, operational excellence, and supporting the dedicated employees of Texas drives her work. She is honored to be serving the state employees of Texas.

Jimmy Teal has been with TxDOT since 2019, working as the TxDOT Waco District railroad coordinator providing oversight of the railroad operations in eight counties. Jimmy started at TxDOT as a construction inspector and was named the safety point of contact for his office as well as serving on the district safety committee. Jimmy's goal is to get everyone home safely everyday.

Previously, Jimmy worked for Caterpillar Work Tools in Waco, Texas, working in various positions including a powder coater, working foreman and quality supervisor. Jimmy participated in a joint venture between Caterpillar and the Texas State Technical College and earned a certificate in mechanical engineering principles. Jimmy is a proud Air Force veteran, who served as an aircraft crew chief, trainer and instructor. Jimmy also serves communities in other ways, volunteering with a variety of charities. In his personal time, Jimmy enjoys spending time with his family and collects antiques, guitars and cowboy boots.

Melandy has over eight years of experience with the Texas Department of Transportation and currently serve as a Plan Reviewer II, coordinating and reviewing PS&E submissions to ensure compliance and keep projects moving forward. She has taken the initiative to improve processes, particularly in ADA reviews and addendum coordination.

Melandy's background in private-sector project management and design strengthened both her problem-solving skills and ability to work across teams.

She brings a practical, solutions-focused mindset, strong work ethic, and commitment to public service to the TPEA board. She understands the challenges state employees face and is motivated to represent their interests and support meaningful improvements.

Russ Boyd brings 37 years and 9 months of service with the state to the TPEA board. His first experience with the state was a summer job at Texas Employment Commission. Upon graduation from Southwest Texas (now Texas State), he worked for TABC as an auditor. After getting a degree in computer programming, he then worked with TCEQ. In the final years of his state career, he was Division Director of IT at Texas Animal Health Commission. Upon retirement from the state, Russ obtained a Masters degree in Counseling and a Licensed Professional Counselor license. He has a deep understanding of how Texas government works and how people hurt. We need to help our members obtain an improved retirement salary.

Kayode is a dedicated public service professional with a background in education and health and human services that brings a well-rounded perspective on the needs of both employees and the communities they serve. His experience has strengthened his commitment to advocacy, equitable access to resources, and the continuous improvement of our public systems.

Kayode brings a unique combination of practical experience and a clear passion for public enlightenment and outreach that ensures individuals are informed, empowered, and supported through effective communication and education. He values collaboration and believes in building a more unified and engaged network of Texas public employees.

With a focus on integrity, service, and collective progress, Kayode is prepared to contribute meaningfully to the TPEA Board by supporting policies and initiatives that uplift public employees while strengthening the impact of public service across Texas.

Kimberly is a proud Texan. In high school, she belonged to multiple organizations & realized then that she enjoyed serving and working with others. She began her career at TxDOT as a 19 yr old college student, and worked in the Traffic Office of the Beaumont District. While there, she was fortunate to have two outstanding supervisors that allowed her to grow in her career while pursuing a degree.

Kimberly served as a file clerk, engineering tech, contract manager, office manager, and Traffic Safety Specialist. When she became a mom, she changed careers and moved into education . As a teacher, she taught 1st grade and then 5th grade serving on various campus/district committees. She eventually obtained her Master's degree and entered the administrative world.

Kimberly was an intermediate school campus coordinator, middle school assistant principal & then principal. She worked through 9/11, a bomb threat, STARR testing, multiple hurricane recoveries, construction, reconstructions, a train crash, & covid shutdown. Kimberly hopes to be known as someone who serves with kindness and integrity, that leaves a positive impact.

Rich Babcock works for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) as the Division Director of the Classification and Inmate Transportation Division. He has nearly 30 years of experience with the agency beginning his career as a correctional officer at the Darrington Unit in 1997. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management from the University of Arizona.

Rich is a long-standing member of TPEA and has previously served on the Board of Directors. He brings proven leadership and a wealth of experience to his position on the board and will serve the Association and its members well.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Introducing TPEA's Board of Directors, a diverse group of experienced state employees and retirees dedicated to serving Texas. Get to know these exceptional individuals and their valuable contributions. We appreciate you and thank you for all your work!

DeLisa Hamilton

Mandy Flinn

Jimmy Teal

Suzy Whittenton

Melandy Smith

Russ Boyd

Kayode Yaya

Kimberly Cox

Rich Babcock

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